The buy and sell sides are at a turning point in their relationship. As the buy side takes greater control of its trades, the sell side is trying to find new ways to add value. Following are both perspectives on how the relationship is changing.

On an SIA show floor filled with acronyms, Cicada has chosen to focus on KYC. The financial services industry is being bombarded by regulatory requirements, and Cicada's new solution is aimed at helping securities firms "Know Your Customer."

Compliance technology was the hot topic as SEC CIO Corey Booth spoke at the annual SIA Technology Conference about how the changing regulatory climate initiated an ongoing technology overhaul at the SEC.

Routing trades faster and with greater efficiency to more destinations is a major theme on the floor of this year's SIA Conference. Issues such as direct market access and compliance dominate the show's landscape.

The world of financial markets technology is changing. Regulation, technology and institutional trading preferences are shaking the industry by its roots. These changes are forcing the industry not only to upgrade technologies but also to reevaluate its mission.